Christmas in Turkey is confusing, to say the least.
They don’t celebrate Christmas — and Boxing Day was completely new — yet Mudanya decided to host a festival from Boxing Day through to New Year. So of course, we went.
Bright lights, street dancing, treats, and crowds everywhere. And then my favourite moment: two women in full black burqas, both wearing Santa-themed headbands perched proudly on top. Unexpected, joyful, and amazing.
I didn’t take a photo — some moments are meant to be carried, not captured. Their memory will stay with me far longer than any picture ever could.
A perfect souvenir.
Demet dancing in the Street